The term "vicinato" indicates not only the physical collection of buildings, piazze and streets that make up a neighborhood, but also the values, the people, the identity and the
human fabric of friendship and solidarity.
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| Spartaco,Marcella and Dolly |
Il
vicinato still exists in small towns
throughout Italy; an example to
follow to rediscover the joy of being
together and live with a quality of daily life which
contrasts the individualism and egoism so common in the big city.
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| view of the piazza del Sole with 1851 wash house |
Il vicinato of Vicolo del Sole, one of the neighborhood communities in Vetralla, includes inhabitants
born and brought up there plus other acquired members who have arrived from far away: Finland, Holland,Tunisia and USA.
Together
they take care of the little medieval
piazza that is their outdoor living room and share the joys and problems of everyday life.
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| Marcella takes care of the roses |
The cobblestones are swept daily and countless vases and flowers are watered by Marcella and husband Spartaco, while mascot Dolly runs after lizards
and announces any newcomers to the
piazza.
Enzo and Tunisian-born Naila are consulted about flowers and plants
while 85 year old Angelino and Maria pass
the late afternoon on one of the
benches chatting about the old days and traditions, narrating stories of when they were young and worked the fields.
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| Il vicinato of Piazza S. Egidio waiting for the procession to pass |
The need to
communicate, socialize and exchange memories is
the main characteristics of the vicinato-here everyone is always ready to offer
help and solidarity when a problem arises.
What is your vicinato like?